Paper: Unloading Liquid Logged Gas Wells with Low Pressure Compression

Recognizing and cost effectively eliminating liquid loading in natural gas wells through the use of low pressure wellhead compression. The use of compression to eliminate liquid loading can be utilized in conjunction with other production methods such as soaping, siphon strings, plunger lift and beam pumping. Desireable features of low pressure natural gas compression will be highlighted with actual field cases illustrating the equipment characteristics needed for successful de-liquification of natural gas wells. Through computer analysis of pressure and area flow rate analysis, along with field testing and continued montitoring, the changing of compressor clearances, in conjunction with control valves, can be optimized to successfully keep gas wells unloaded during a longer period of time without resizing and replacing the compressor. Thus far the proper sizing and utilization of low pressure wellhead compression has enabled operators to maintain higher producing rates and velocities to keep gas wells unloaded which increases the monthly cash flow to the producer and extends the economic life of properties which leads to the recovery of increased incremental reserves.